Yvonne J. Hendrick (Brownell) age 88 of Pierson died Thursday, December 3, 2020 at Green Acres of Cedar Springs. Yvonne was born August 22, 1932 in Walker Township, MI the daughter of Leon and Thelma (Geer) Fox. Surviving are her children, Douglas (Edie) Brownell, Debra (Hank) Hemmes, Darcy (Jim) Wilcox, Denise (Scott) Fisk; grandchildren, Jamie Brownell, Sara Jestila, Kyle (Tiffany Bannen) Wilcox, Melissa Fisk, Scott (Melanie Magoon) Fisk, Jr; great-grandchildren, Audrey, Evelyn, Madison, Lane; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husbands, William Brownell and Darwin Hendrick; special friend, Tony Husar; siblings, Norris, Erwin, Beverly and Barbara. A private family graveside service was held on Wednesday, December 9 at Solon Township Cemetery. Mr. Craig Caswell speaking. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice or Green Acres of Cedar Springs. 

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Esther L. Anderson age 73 of Cedar Springs, passed away Sunday, November 22, 2020 at her home. Esther was born March 22, 1947 in Grand Rapids, MI the daughter of Hattley and Arlene (Ballard) Rector. She retired from Forest Hills Central Middle School in 2007. She was a tomboy growing up and enjoyed camping and the pool at her home. She loved her grandchildren and taught them how to cook, she was always there for her family. Surviving are her husband, Carl whom she married on May 25, 1968; sons, Michael, Aaron (Lisa); grandchildren, Hannah, Abby and Brayden; sisters, Carol (Chuck) Mackus, Linda (Gary) Nead; brother-in-law, Fred Andrus; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Lois Andrus. The family will greet friends Friday, November 27th from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. A private family service will follow the visitation. Pastor Inge Whittemore officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to East Nelson United Methodist Church or Faith Hospice.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Ethel L. Ergang age 96 of Cedar Springs died Thursday, October 8, 2020 at Faith Hospice Trillium Woods. Mrs. Ergang was born May 10, 1924 in Greenville, MI the daughter of George and Dorothy (Magee) Waller. She graduated from Cedar Springs High in 1942. She enjoyed making and painting very detailed ceramics, crocheting, sewing, and baking fresh bread, pies and rum cakes. She was extremely generous giving away much of her baked goods and ceramics. She was a founding member of the Gila Mountain United Methodist Church in Yuma, AZ. She worked on her family geneology and loved her family and grandchildren dearly. Surviving are her children, Carol (Stephen) McEvoy, Bryan (Karen) Ergang, Anita (Ken) Meszaros; 16 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; sister, Helen (Bud) Gambee. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; sons, John and Keith Ergang; brothers, Robert and Leonard Waller. Visitation and the service was held Monday, October 12 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Pastor Larry French officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Dwight C. “Ike” Jamison, age 90, of Cedar Springs, passed away peacefully in his sleep at Faith Hospice Trillium Woods on Sunday, August 5, 2018. Ike was born February 15, 1928 in Big Rapids, Michigan the son of Hugh and Nina (Oldfield) Jamison. He attended what was then called Ferris State Institute. At eighteen, Ike enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at the 161st Station Hospital in Japan for five years during the Korean War. Upon his return to the states, he was stationed in New York City where he met and married his bride of 66 years, Josephine “Jo” (Valdez) in 1952. After a year of living in Manhattan, they returned to West Michigan and settled in Cedar Springs where they have resided for 53 years. Ike worked in millwright and retired from General Motors Plant #2 in Grand Rapids where he made many life-long friends and was an active member of the UAW, Region 1D. Lovingly remembering his constant dedication to family and friends are his wife, Jo; brother, Hugh Jamison; children, Archie Jamison, Judson (Kim Vu) Jamison, Carla (Bjorn) Hansen; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; several nieces and nephews and countless friends. The family will greet friends Thursday, August 9 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

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Nancy A. Miller, age 79, of Cedar Springs, died Friday, August 3, 2018 at Spectrum Health – Butterworth Campus. Nancy was born August 17, 1938 in Pontiac, Michigan the daughter of Norbert and Annie (Cristine) Beckwith. She had been a member of the Red Hat Society, Cedar Springs American Legion and the Tri-County Eagles. Surviving are her children, Deborah Wood, Ronnie Seabolt (Tammy), April Seabolt; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson; sister, Norma Hansel. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jerome Miller; daughter, Lynn Doyle; sister, Sharon Beckwith; granddaughter, Mandy; great-grandson, Leighton. The family greeted friends Tuesday, August 7 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service was held Wednesday, August 8. Interment Solon Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Shirley C. Boehm age 83 of Sand Lake, died Sunday, May 27, 2018 at Heather Hills, Grand Rapids. Mrs. Boehm was born September 22, 1934 in Grand Rapids, Michigan the daughter of George and Alice (DeLodge) Smith. Surviving are her husband of 61 years, Winston; children, Gene (Gayle) Boehm, Debbie (Allan) Lehman, Joe (Jill) Boehm, Sally (Chuck) Haynes, Gil (Denise) Boehm, Tim (Teresa) Boehm, Tina (Tom) Tiethoff; 18 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Tammy Marie. The family will greet friends Friday from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 1:00 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Interment Spencer Mills Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Shelby Laurence Reyburn was born on October 15, 1932, son of Shelby John Reyburn and Edith Burnap. He passed away quietly in his sleep Saturday, March 10, 2018. Larry graduated from Cedar Springs High School in 1950 and worked as a cashier for Meijer. He attended Davenport College in Grand Rapids before being drafted into the US Army. After basic training at Camp Atterburg, Indiana, he served as infantry in Korea, attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class. He married Janice Evelyn Blaesi on June 17, 1955. In 1956 he entered the State Police Academy in Lansing, Michigan, and after graduation served at Ionia, St. Ignace, and Ithaca as a trooper. He was promoted to Detective in 1969 and assigned to State Police Intelligence in Lansing. After his promotion to Detective/Sgt in that unit he transferred in 1972 to the Fire Marshall Division in Lansing. He was promoted again to Detective/Lieutenant in 1980. In 1981 he transferred back to the Intelligence Division and organized the W.E.M.E.T Drug team for West Michigan. Larry retired from the State Police in 1982. Farming was always close to Larry’s heart. He bought the family farm from his parents in 1968, grew apples, and moved there in 1976. When he retired, he and Janice entered the flower business, growing, drying, and marketing dried flowers, which they did for 20 years, as well as 2 acres of pumpkins. He grew a beautiful garden for family and friends, using it as the opportunity to work with his four grandsons who lived next door, training them to work hard and teaching many life lessons. Since 1984, he and Janice spent their winters at their home in Nokomis, Florida, where they were members of Covenant Life Presbyterian Church in Sarasota, Florida. In Michigan, they attended Blythefield Hills Baptist Church in Rockford, Michigan, but their true membership is in Heaven. Larry was excited and comforted to be moving to his new residence in Heaven with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Larry is survived by his wife, Janice, son Dean (Martha) Reyburn and daughter Joanne (Joseph) Pann. His grandchildren Nathanael, Noah, Aaron, and Andrew Reyburn, Jessie, Jacob, and Jebedia Pann, and 11 great-grandchildren. His grandson Joseph Pann and older sisters Genevie Penrose and Florence Yurich preceded him in death. Visitation is 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 15 at Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Visitation at Blythefield Hills Baptist Church in Rockford, Michigan at 10 a.m. prior to the 11a.m. Funeral on Friday, March 16, 2018. In lieu of flowers send donations to Faith Hospice of Grand Rapids or BHBC missionaries.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Verita LaBelle DeVries passed into eternity and into the loving arms of Jesus on February 23, 2018 after 96 fruitful years of loving and helping here on earth. She was born in Eldorado, Kansas to Lewis and Hester (Hand) Barnum on October 5, 1921, the fourth of 12 children. Her spiritual gifts were helping and encouraging others, and she was good at it. She liked to smile, have fun and really loved children. Her hobbies were sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting and baking. She and her husband Francis “Gus” loved the grandkids and spending time with them. She is preceded in death by her husband Francis “Gus” DeVries, 10 siblings, two grandchildren and her mother and father. Surviving are her daughters Beverly & (Jerry) Schaap and Patricia & (Mike) Smith; 4 grandchildren Sue Norton, Dave & (Cyndi) Schaap, Eric & (Melissa) Smith and Andy Smith; 10 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren and her sister Gloria & (Luther) Shears. Heaven has gained a special and wonderful addition to their family, but earth and her daughters will sadly miss her smile and loving arms. Dementia finally won the battle here on earth, but God has given her a new body as He promised, and a much better life. Visitation was held 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, February 26, 2018 . Funeral Services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at the Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville with members of the family meeting with friends and relatives from 10 a.m. till the service. Memorial contributions may be made in Verita’s name to Faith Hospice or Alzheimer’s. Burial will be in Altona Cemetery. 

Arrangements are by Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville, with complete obituary online at www.marshallfuneralhomeinc.com where you can leave a message of condolence for the family.

Ruth L. McMullen 87 of Cedar Springs, died Sunday, November 12, 2017 at Metron of Cedar Springs. Ruth was born July 17, 1930 in Elmhurst, IL the daughter of Clarence and Olga (Gorling) Yeaw. She was active at the Cedar Springs Senior Center for many years and enjoyed playing cards, games, bingo and puzzles. Surviving are her children, Karen Bansen, David (Sherry) Patterson, Steven (Theresa) Patterson, Ray (Van) Patterson; 11 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; sisters, Elizabeth (Louis) Hartesvelt, Marian Yeaw. The service was on Wednesday, November 15 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Pastor Scott Sloan officiated. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

James Robert Breedlove age 72 passed away Sunday April 16, 2017 at his home surrounded by family. He was born February 7, 1945 in Grand Rapids to James and Nellie (Newton) Mol, Sr. Surviving are his children Debra (Robert) Halston, James (Angie) Breedlove II, Melissa (Rick) Anderson and Shellie (Bradley) Frey; grandchildren TJ, Vanessa, Jennifer (Ben), Albert, Brandon (Brittany), Tia, Brittany, Kyle (Anna), Savannah, Taylor, Hannah, Haley; great-grandchildren Payton, Roxanne, Daiton, Bentley, Lilliana, Issaac, Payslee, Raelyn, Olivia, Kyron, Carter; brothers Vern (Barb) Mol and Robert Mol. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother Chuck. Jim’s family will celebrate his life with a luncheon at his home Saturday April 22, 2017 from 3-7 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Marilyn Ann Stoner, age 79, a longtime resident of Cedar Springs, Michigan, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2017, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her family. Marilyn was born on September 6, 1937, in Cedar Springs, Michigan, to the late Edwin and Treva Mae (Stout) Hoven. She was the fourth of five children born on her family farm. Marilyn was a graduate of Cedar Springs Public Schools and she trained as an x-ray technician, which led to her position at Dr. Branyan’s office in Cedar Springs where she met her husband Gordon. They were married on October 6, 1961. Marilyn enjoyed many things in life, she utilized her green thumb in the garden and belonged to the local garden club. Marilyn loved to plan parties for family birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays, because she loved proving for her family, and her love for them was immeasurable. Marilyn was also a woman of deep faith, seeing the Lord in everything she did, and walked with him daily. Marilyn is survived by her loving children Debra Stoner, Kathy (Bruce) Proctor, Susan (Joseph) Blood, Lisa DeRuyscher, Sam (Stephanee) Stoner, and Amanda (Chad) Hoke; grandchildren, Debra (Scott) Ploeg, John (Kerry Halloran) Proctor, Katrina (Timothy) Chaffee, Jared Proctor, Lauren (Austin) Jackson, Jayce Kraus, Nicholas DeRuyscher, Maxwell Stoner, Anderson Stoner, Madalyn Hoke, Katelyn Hoke, and Nathan Hoke; great-granddaughter Aurora Proctor; brothers Max (Lee) Hoven; sister Margene Swanson; brother Hugh (Connie) Hoven; and numerous, nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and other beloved members of the Stoner and Hoven families. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Gordon D. Stoner; and sister Shirley (Charles) Dean. There was a time of visitation from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., on Thursday, March 30, 2017, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341. The funeral service was celebrated by Rev. Dan Hoven at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 31, 2017, at Pederson Funeral Home. There was also a one hour visitation prior to the service. Marilyn will be laid to rest in Blythefield Memory Gardens, Belmont, Michigan. The family would like to thank the individuals at the Lacks Cancer Center and Faith Hospice for their exceptional care and support over these last four months. Those wishing to offer an expression of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to Saint Mary’s Foundation for the Mercy Health Lacks Cancer Center, 200 Jefferson Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503; or to Faith Hospice – Development Office, 2100 Raybrook Street SE, Suite 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

Jerry Lynn Avery, 77 of Cedar Springs went into the loving arms of his Savior on Thursday, November 17, 2016 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born March 19, 1939 in Grand Rapids, MI the son of Donald and Caroline (Townes) Avery. Jerry had a thirty four year career as a police officer, serving in the Kent County Sheriff’s Department and before that, the Cedar Springs Police Department.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing, flying, bicycling and time with his grandkids. He was a member of Courtland-Oakfield United Methodist Church and the Northwest Soaring Club of Frankfort where he served as an instructor.  He was also a member of the Bad Bikers Bicycle Club, where he was known as the “Baddest Biker”. Surviving are his wife, Peggy (Beals) whom he married on November 12, 1957; sons, Mike (Denise) Avery, Tim (Kim) Avery; grandchildren, Sarah (Jordan) Brygal, James (Jessica) Edwards, Andy Avery, Jessica Martin, Jamie Jeffries III, Samantha Avery, Shelby Avery; 12 great grandchildren; brother, Leon (Janet) Avery. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Joe (Jean) Avery, David Avery; sister, Madeline (Stan) Piasecki. The family will greet friends Sunday, Nov. 20 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The service will be held Monday, Nov. 21 at Courtland-Oakfield United Methodist Church. Pastors Bill Johnson and Chuck Smith officiating. Interment Courtland Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the church or Faith Hospice.